If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe. It’s a wonderful twist on the traditional beef stroganoff, swapping in tender, juicy chicken for a lighter yet equally indulgent experience. Loaded with earthy mushrooms, a silky sour cream sauce, and that unmistakable hint of paprika, this meal is a total winner for any night of the week when you want something that feels special but comes together quickly. Serve it over fluffy egg noodles or rice, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s not just hearty but irresistibly delicious too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe such a standout is how simple but thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one brings something essential to the table, whether it’s depth of flavor, the right texture, or a pop of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Perfectly bite-sized for quick cooking and tender every time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives the sauce that silky, velvety mouthfeel everyone loves.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Sweet and savory base that softens into comforting flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a bit of punch.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and juicy, they soak up the sauce and add great texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smoky note and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening your sauce perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The star ingredient that gives the stroganoff its rich, creamy finish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang and brightens the whole sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous touch as a garnish.
- Cooked egg noodles or rice: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning sets the flavor foundation and brings warm color to the meat. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; we’ll bring it back into the mix soon.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add your remaining olive oil and butter. The butter starts to melt into the oil, creating a luscious base to build flavor. Toss in your finely chopped onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Next, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, allowing them to cook for around 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and most of their moisture has evaporated. This step intensifies the earthy mushroom flavor and ensures a rich texture.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat everything. Allow it to cook for about a minute—this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps develop a nice roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to make sure the sauce stays smooth and lump-free. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luscious.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Return the Chicken
Now the magic begins. Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard with care, mixing until the sauce is perfectly creamy and tangy. Be sure to avoid boiling the sauce after adding sour cream to prevent curdling—just keep it on a low simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and allow it to warm through gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. Your sauce will season the chicken beautifully, making every bite full of flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your creamy chicken stroganoff is ready, pile it high over a bed of fluffy cooked egg noodles or steaming rice. The sauce clings to these perfectly, making each mouthful rich and satisfying. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that fresh, vibrant finish!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; its bright, herbaceous flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a burst of color that makes the dish irresistible. If you want to get a little fancy, a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top will also do wonders.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken stroganoff pairs beautifully with classic egg noodles or rice, which help soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans offer a fantastic balance, adding freshness and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving the stroganoff in shallow bowls with a side of crusty bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy twist. You can also jazz up the presentation by adding a colorful side salad or roasting some cherry tomatoes for a pop of acidity on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken stroganoff keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further overnight, making it even tastier when reheated the next day. Just be sure to store the sauce and noodles or rice together to keep things moist.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. To freeze, put cooled stroganoff into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its creamy texture or flavor. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay tender and juicy during cooking. Just be sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you want a lighter version, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It gives a similar creamy tang with fewer calories and a boost of protein. Just mix it in gently at the end, as you would sour cream.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just remember that cornstarch should be mixed with a little water before adding to avoid clumps.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! Adding a splash of dry white wine right after sautéing the mushrooms adds fantastic depth and complexity. Just let it cook off for a minute before adding the broth to keep the sauce balanced.
What’s the best way to reheat without the sauce breaking?
Heat it slowly on low heat and avoid boiling after adding the sour cream. Adding a little broth or water helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy during reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers irresistible results every time. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Creamy Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European, American
Description
Creamy chicken stroganoff is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce, all served over egg noodles or rice. This lighter twist on the classic beef stroganoff makes for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the chopped onions for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms turn golden and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat everything. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to form a smooth sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes just until heated through. Be careful not to boil after adding the sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff warm over cooked egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dish.
- Add a splash of white wine during the sautéing of mushrooms for enhanced flavor depth.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the stroganoff over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of noodles or rice.
